Method for generation of nanoparticles

ABSTRACT

A discrete nanostructure formed by a method comprising providing an aliphatic multi-block copolymer. The aliphatic multi-block copolymer includes at least one polyester block and at least one functionalized polycarbonate block. The aliphatic multi-block copolymer, a deprotonating agent and water are mixed to form an aqueous mixture. The aqueous mixture is maintained at a reaction temperature suitable to result in self-assembly of the multi-block copolymer into nanoparticles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure is directed to a method for the generation ofnanoparticles, and in particular, a method for self-assembly ofaliphatic multi-block copolymers to form nanoparticles.

2. Background

Block copolymer self-assembly using biodegradable components is anattractive means to generate discrete nanostructured materials forapplications ranging from commodity items to drug delivery systems. Theself assembly of polymeric nanoparticles from readily available andenvironmentally friendly materials is an active area of research acrossseveral disciplines.

One approach to assemble such structures is employing block copolymerswith specific functionality expressed along the polymer chain designedto promote self-assembly.

Aliphatic polyesters are well-known for their low toxicity andbiodegradability. Aliphatic polyesters, such as polycaprolactone andpolylactide generated by ring-opening polymerization, represent apromising class of non-toxic and biodegradable polymers, and thereforetheir functionalization and self-assembly is a promising approach togenerate complex soft materials. However introducing functionality intothe chain of caprolactones and lactides remains a challenge. Knownprocesses generally require multi-step syntheses, are not easilyscaleable and/or suffer from poor yields.

A process for self assembly of nanoparticles that overcomes one or moreof the problems of the prior art would be a welcome advance in the art.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a method forself-assembly of a discrete nanostructure. The method comprisesproviding an aliphatic multi-block copolymer comprising at least onepolyester block and at least one functionalized polycarbonate block;mixing the aliphatic multi-block copolymer, a deprotonating agent andwater to form an aqueous mixture; and maintaining the aqueous mixture ata reaction temperature suitable to result in self-assembly of themulti-block copolymer into nanoparticles.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a discretenanostructure. The discrete nanostructure is formed by a methodcomprising: providing an aliphatic multi-block copolymer comprising atleast one polyester block and at least one functionalized polycarbonateblock; mixing the aliphatic multi-block copolymer, a deprotonating agentand water to form an aqueous mixture; and maintaining the aqueousmixture at a reaction temperature suitable to result in self-assembly ofthe multi-block copolymer into nanoparticles.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of the present teachings, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the presentteachings and together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the present teachings.

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2 show SEM images of a cast solution of nanoparticlesgenerated from a triblock copolymer, according to an example of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows an SEM image of agglomerated nanoparticles from anevaporated solution, according to an example of the present disclosure.

It should be noted that some details of the figures may have beensimplified and/or illustrated to facilitate understanding of theembodiments rather than to maintain strict structural accuracy, detail,and scale.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the presentteachings, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been usedthroughout to designate identical elements. In the followingdescription, reference is made to the accompanying drawing that forms apart thereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration a specificexemplary embodiment in which the present teachings may be practiced.The following description is, therefore, merely exemplary.

The present application is directed to a method for self-assembly ofdiscrete nanostructures, referred to herein as nanoparticles. The methodcomprises mixing an aliphatic multi-block copolymer, a deprotonatingagent and water to form an aqueous mixture. The aliphatic multi-blockcopolymer includes at least one polyester block and at least onefunctionalized polycarbonate block. The aqueous mixture is maintained ata reaction temperature for a sufficient time to result in self-assemblyof the multi-block copolymer into nanoparticles.

The aliphatic multi-block copolymers useful for forming nanoparticles ofthe present disclosure include at least one polyester block and at leastone functionalized polycarbonate block. Examples of suitable polyestersinclude polycaprolactones and polylactides. Examples of suitablepolycarbonates include polycarbonate groups functionalized with at leastone carboxylic acid or ester thereof.

In an embodiment, the aliphatic multi-block copolymers arepolyester-polycarbonate-polyester tri-block copolymers. Examples ofsuitable polyester-polycarbonate-polyester tri-block copolymers includecompounds of formula 1:

R¹—O-A_(a)B_(b)C_(c)—R²  (1)

-   -   where        -   A and C are polyester blocks;        -   B is the functionalized polycarbonate block;        -   a=20 to 40;        -   b=2 to 10;        -   c=20 to 40;        -   R¹ is a group formed from a catalyst initiator; and        -   R² is an end cap moiety formed from a cyclic monomer.

The polyester blocks of the copolymers can be the same or different. Inan embodiment, the copolymer can include a first polyester block ofpolycaprolactone and a second polyester block of polylactide. Forexample, block A of formula 1 can be a polyester formed by ring-openingpolymerization of caprolactone and block C can be a polyester formed byring-opening polymerization of lactide.

In an embodiment, the polycarbonate block of formula 1 is functionalizedwith a plurality of carboxylic acid or carboxylic acid ester functionalgroups. The functional groups can be any suitable pendant group on the Bblock that can promote self-assembly of block copolymers in an aqueousmedium. For example, the functional groups can be carboxylic acid orcarboxylic acid ester groups. Each polycarbonate B block can include anydesired number of functional groups. For example, each B block caninclude 2 to 10 pendant functional groups, such as 2 to 5 or 2 to 3functional groups.

A functionality protecting group can be attached to the functional groupof the polycarbonate block. The protecting group can hinder thefunctional group from reaction until self-assembly reaction is desired,at which point the protecting group can be removed. Examples of suitableprotecting groups include aromatic moieties, such as a benzyl group.

R¹ can vary depending on the catalyst initiator used to form thecompounds of formula 1. Examples of suitable initiators are disclosed inco-pending U.S. application Ser. No. [XEROX NO. 20111338], thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.In an embodiment, R¹ can be selected from the group consisting ofalkyls, aryls, arylalkyls or alkylaryls. In an embodiment, R¹ has from 1to 10 carbon atoms. Examples of suitable R¹ groups include benzyl,2-phenylethyl and hexyl groups.

R² in the compound of formula 1 is an end-capping moiety use to improvestability and dispersability of the block copolymer. Any suitableend-capping moiety can be employed. In an embodiment, such end-capmoieties are derived from cyclic monomers. Examples of suitable cyclicmonomers include cyclic anhydrides and aromatic monomers, such asnaphthalene. Examples of cyclic anhydride monomers include dicarboxylicacid anydride and other polycarboxylic acid anhydrides, such as succinicanhydride, glutaric anhydride, phthalic anhydride and trimelliticanhydride. Other suitable end-capping groups are disclosed in co-pendingapplication Ser. No. [XEROX NO. 20121505], the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Example polydispersity ranges for for the triblock copolymers of thepresent disclosure are from about 0.5 to about 2, such as about 0.8 toabout 1.7, or about 1 to about 1.5. Example number average molecularweight ranges are about 1000 to about 100,000, such as about 2000 toabout 50,000. Example weight average molecular weight ranges are about1000 to about 300,000, or about 2000 to about 200,000. Molecular weightsthroughout the application are expressed in Daltons, unless otherwisespecified.

The triblock copolymers of the present disclosure can be made by anysuitable method. An example of a method for making the copolymerreactants employed herein involves the sequential addition of monomersand capping with succinic anhydride, as described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. Nos. [XEROX NOs. 20120964 and 20110562], thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

Self-assembly of the above block copolymers can be carried out in thepresence of a deprotonating agent in order to remove a proton (H⁺) fromthe carboxylic acid, which in turn will increase the hydrophilicity ofthe polycarbonate block. Any suitable deprotonating agent can beemployed. In an embodiment, the deprotonating agent is a salt ofbicarbonate, such as sodium bicarbonate.

The aliphatic multi-block copolymer, deprotonating agent and water canbe combined in any order. Any suitable technique for mixing can beemployed. High shear mixing is not required, although it can be used ifdesired. The mixture is heated to a reaction temperature ranging fromabout 20° C. to about 95° C., or from about 50° C. to about 90° C., orfrom about 70° C. to about 90° C.

Prior to, or simultaneous with, the mixing of the ingredients, theprotecting group used to hinder reaction with the functional groups ofthe polycarbonate block can be removed from the copolymer. This allowsself-assembly of the copolymers to proceed as desired. Any suitabletechnique can be employed to remove the protecting groups. An example ofa suitable technique is disclosed in Al-Azemi, T. F. et al.,Macromolecules, vol. 32, pp. 6536-6540 (1999), the disclosure of whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The self assembly reaction occurs readily in the absence of solventsother than water, although other solvents can also be employed, ifdesired. Examples of such solvents include mixtures of water withwater-miscible alcohols, such as ethanol, methanol, isopropanol andn-propanol. The reaction can take place in either a batch or continuoustype reactor.

The self assembly reaction results in an aqueous dispersion ofnanoparticles. The median diameter of the nanoparticles range in sizefrom about 5 nm to about 1000 nm, such as about 25 nm to about 500 nm,or about 50 nm to about 300 nm. If desired, the nanoparticles can beseparated from the water solution and/or dried to form discretenanoparticle structures.

In an embodiment, the nanoparticles are biodegradable. In an embodiment,one of more of the ingredients employed to make the nanoparticles, suchas the multi-block copolymers, are biodegradable. In yet otherembodiments, the nanoparticles and/or the ingredients employed to makethe nanoparticles are not readily biodegradable.

EXAMPLES

The following example illustrates a process for the self-assembly oftriblock copolymer product in reaction below, where a=30, b=6, c=34.

To a 16×125 mm test tube equipped with a small magnetic stir bar wasadded triblock copolymer (50 mg) and 5% NaHCO₃ (aq) (5 ml). The mixturewas heated to 90° C. for 18 hours at which time the mixture possessed ahazy blue hue. The sample was then removed from the heating bath andcooled for 1 hour at room temperature before casting samples forscanning electron microscopy.

Images shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2 were obtained by dropping the aqueoussolution onto a carbon coated TEM grid, allowing it to set 10 seconds,then drawing off the liquid using a filter paper. Many of the particlesare probably removed when the liquid is drawn off, however enough remainstuck to the grid to see several areas of agglomerated particles. Theimage shown in FIG. 2 was obtained by casting the aqueous solution ontoan aluminum SEM stub and allowing it to evaporate overnight. Thepresence of NaHCO₃ crystals and large areas of agglomerated particlesare observed.

The SEM images confirm the self-assembly of tri-blockamorphous-crystalline polyester-polycarbonate copolymers intonanoparticles ranging in size from 50-300 nm. The process employed isvery simple. The powder polymer material is dispersed into a 5% sodiumbicarbonate solution at elevated temperature for a period of time. Oncethe particles have undergone self-assembly, a blue hue for the solutionappears. In an embodiment, high shear mixing and/or addition of solventsare not required for polymer nanoparticle self-assembly by the processesof the present disclosure.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forththe broad scope of the disclosure are approximations, the numericalvalues set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely aspossible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certainerrors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in theirrespective testing measurements. Moreover, all ranges disclosed hereinare to be understood to encompass any and all sub-ranges subsumedtherein.

While the present teachings have been illustrated with respect to one ormore implementations, alterations and/or modifications can be made tothe illustrated examples without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. In addition, while a particular feature of thepresent teachings may have been disclosed with respect to only one ofseveral implementations, such feature may be combined with one or moreother features of the other implementations as may be desired andadvantageous for any given or particular function. Furthermore, to theextent that the terms “including,” “includes,” “having,” “has,” “with,”or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and theclaims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar tothe term “comprising.” Further, in the discussion and claims herein, theterm “about” indicates that the value listed may be somewhat altered, aslong as the alteration does not result in nonconformance of the processor structure to the illustrated embodiment. Finally, “exemplary”indicates the description is used as an example, rather than implyingthat it is an ideal.

It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed and otherfeatures and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined intomany other different systems or applications. Various presentlyunforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, orimprovements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in theart which are also intended to be encompasses by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A discrete nanostructure formed by the methodcomprising: providing an aliphatic multi-block copolymer comprising atleast one polyester block and at least one functionalized polycarbonateblock; mixing the aliphatic multi-block copolymer, a deprotonating agentand water to form an aqueous mixture; and maintaining the aqueousmixture at a reaction temperature suitable to result in self-assembly ofthe multi-block copolymer into nanoparticles.
 2. The discretenanostructure of claim 1, wherein the aliphatic multi-block copolymer isa polyester-polycarbonate-polyester tri-block copolymer.
 3. The discretenanostructure of claim 2, wherein the polyester-polycarbonate-polyestertri-block copolymer is a compound of formula 1:R¹—O-A_(a)B_(b)C_(c)—R² where: A and C are polyester blocks; B is thefunctionalized polycarbonate block; a=20 to 40; b=2 to 10; c=20 to 40;R¹ is a group formed from a catalyst initiator; and R² is an end capmoiety formed from a cyclic monomer.
 4. The discrete nanostructure ofclaim 3, wherein A is a polyester formed by ring-opening polymerizationof caprolactone and C is a polyester formed by ring-openingpolymerization of lactide.
 5. The discrete nanostructure of claim 4,wherein the polycarbonate block is functionalized with a plurality ofcarboxylic acid or carboxylic acid ester functionalities.
 6. Thediscrete nanostructure of claim 5, wherein the nanoparticles range insize from about 5 nm to about 1000 nm.
 7. A method for self-assembly ofa discrete nanostructure, the method comprising: providing an aliphaticmulti-block copolymer comprising at least one polyester block and atleast one functionalized polycarbonate block; mixing the aliphaticmulti-block copolymer, a deprotonating agent and water to form anaqueous mixture; and maintaining the aqueous mixture at a reactiontemperature suitable to result in self-assembly of the multi-blockcopolymer into nanoparticles.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein thealiphatic multi-block copolymer is a polyester-polycarbonate-polyestertri-block copolymer.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the polycarbonateblock of the tri-block copolymer is functionalized with a carboxylicacid or ester thereof.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein thepolycarbonate block of the tri-block copolymer is functionalized with acarboxylic acid ester comprising a benzyl protecting group, the methodfurther comprising removing the benzyl protecting group prior to orduring self-assembly.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein thepolyester-polycarbonate-polyester tri-block copolymer comprises a firstpolyester block of polycaprolactone and a second polyester block ofpolylactide.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein thepolyester-polycarbonate-polyester tri-block copolymer is a compound offormula 1:R¹—O-A_(a)B_(b)C_(c)—R² where: A and C are polyester blocks; B is thefunctionalized polycarbonate block; a=20 to 40; b=2 to 10; c=20 to 40;R¹ is a group formed from a catalyst initiator; and R² is an end capmoiety formed from a cyclic monomer.
 13. The method of claim 12, whereinA is a polyester formed by ring-opening polymerization of caprolactonemonomers and C is a polyester formed by ring-opening polymerization oflactide monomers.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the polycarbonateblock is functionalized with a plurality of carboxylic acid orcarboxylic acid ester functionalities.
 15. The method of claim 12,wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl,arylalkyl, and alkylaryl.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the cyclicmonomer is selected from the group consisting of cyclic anhydrides andaromatic monomers.
 17. The method of claim 7, wherein the reactiontemperature ranges from about 75° C. to about 100° C.
 18. The method ofclaim 7, wherein the method is performed without high shear mixing. 19.The method of claim 7, wherein the method is performed in the absence ofa solvent other than water.
 20. The method of claim 7, wherein thedeprotonating agent is a bicarbonate salt.